The Elroy-Sparta
Bike Trail, Fall 2006
Article and Photos by: Dale Kiffel
Bridge crossing I90 just outside of Sparta. |
One of the few blooming flowers of the fall. |
Something out of the ordinary on the bike trail. |
The Elroy Sparta State Trail is a 32 mi rails to trails
endeavor and follows the abandoned Chicago and Northwestern railroad bed. The trail
traverses farmlands, rolling hills, and small communities. It has 3 cavernous tunnels, the
longest being 3/4 of a mile long. A flashlight is necessary for this trip. It passes
through the communities of Elroy, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk, and Sparta. The Elroy Sparta
Trail was the 1st rails to trails conversion in the nation and is still one of the most
popular. The trail lives up to the hype and will be sure not to disappoint.
The trip was made on a Bacchetta Giro 26 recumbent during the last week of
summer and began in Sparta.
Elroy-Sparta
Trail Map
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